Controlling Tenant Smoking in Apartments? Any Ideas?

Question

I recently visited a multifamily property with over 210 units and one of the main issues was the smell of smoke in the units. It wasn't just cigarette smoke...it was a marijuana stench as well.

When I talked to the on-site property manager about the smoking in the units she said "it's hard to control so we just let them do what they want".

I was totally baffled by this response.

I'm curious to know what everyone does about smoking in units that you acquire as I am of the believe that you will lose certain tenants due to the smoke smell.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

In our area smoking in the unit is illegal as is smoking within 25 feet of the building. We sent out a notice to all tenants to comply. We were left with two tenants (in the same unit) who did not go along with the ordinance whom we confronted and had a discussion about continuing to live in the building or moving on. The tenants we had to visit personally decided to stay and are following the rules, at least for now, we have had no complaints and the smell is no longer noticeable. This is only a 12 unit building so nothing compared to your 210 units. But you have a full time PM to police this issue and they will be costing you money to get the smoke odors cleared for new tenant turnover. I know you know if they are ignoring the smoking then what else is being swept under the rug? Time for some PM training. ;<)

Andrew Beauchemin · Answer

Along with eviction, changing management etc. are there any ideas you can think of that would positively incentivize tenants to not smoke in the units??

i.e. provide an annual prize (New TV, VIP parking space, 1 month free rent, etc.) but you only qualify with 12 months of on-time rent payment and in good standing with management?

Brandon Sturgill · Answer

@Dan Handford Fire the manager. Evict the tenants...just a thought ;)

Do you guys have medical marijuana?...

Controlling Tenant Smoking in Apartments? Any Ideas?

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